home based franchise

LANCASTER, PA – PRNewswire

Auntie Anne’s^®, the world’s largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise, turns 30 this year and is calling on the pretzel-loving public to help ring in this delicious milestone. From now through March 2, fans can rejoice in three decades of pretzel love by RSVP’ing ‘yes’ to Auntie Anne’s 30^th birthday bash at HBDAuntieAnnes.com. One million RSVPs will unlock a Free Pretzel Party on March 3.

“Thirty years is a big milestone and there is no one we would rather celebrate it with than the pretzel lovers around the world,” said Heather Neary, President of Auntie Anne’s. “We’ve celebrated a lot of good times together over the last 30 years and we are very excited to embark upon our next 30 years and beyond.”

To RSVP to the saltiest, sweetest and most twisted party of the year, pretzel devotees are encouraged to visit HBDAuntieAnnes.com. A live tracker will tally RSVPs until the one million goal is met. If unlocked, the Free Pretzel Party will take place at Auntie Anne’s locations nationwide on March 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All guests will receive one free Original or Cinnamon Sugar pretzel, no strings attached.

In an effort to keep the party going, Auntie Anne’s will also give Free Pretzel Party participants a Buy One Get One (BOGO) coupon that is valid through March 31, while supplies last.

To stay up-to-date on the march to one million RSVPs, fans are encouraged to follow the brand on Twitter @AuntieAnnes, on Instagram @AuntieAnnesPretzels, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/AuntieAnnesPretzels. The birthday love will be shared all year with hashtag #HBDAuntieAnnes.

For the latest information about Auntie Anne’s products and company news, please visit AuntieAnnes.com. To get exclusive offers and information before anyone else, download the Auntie Anne’s My Pretzel Perks app.

GEORGETOWN, TX

Sport Clips Haircuts, the nation’s leading men’s and boys’ hair care provider, has promoted the head of its real estate department, Greg Smith, to the newly created role of chief development officer to combine the strength of its site selection and franchise development work. To further support the move, Jessica Zavala Rossy will become the new director of real estate, and Dave Wells will work with the team as senior director of franchising.

“The two disciplines of real estate site selection and franchise development go hand-in-hand. Greg has been one our strongest assets in this critical area for Sport Clips franchisees. Jessica and Dave both have proven backgrounds in their fields, and they have a solid support staff to make this a smart organizational shift for our current franchisees and those who may be considering Sport Clips as a future business investment,” says Sport Clips Founder and CEO Gordon Logan. “No matter the real estate market, Sport Clips has long been a business real estate developers seek out, which is one of the reasons Sport Clips is such an attractive option for anyone looking to invest in a franchise.”

Smith headed the company’s real estate team for more than a decade and has been in the industry 17 years, and he has been recognized as one of the “Top 10 Real Estate Executives Under 40” by Chain Store Magazine. Zavala Rossy has 15 years of real estate experience, and the past five years of Wells’ 15 years in franchise development experience has been with Sport Clips.

Smith says, “This reorganization speaks to Sport Clips’ commitment to franchisee success through maximizing brand strength and recognition. By aligning franchise development and real estate opportunities, a market’s untapped potential for growth can be better realized.”

Based on demand, the newly formed team is looking at the company’s mature markets for additional growth and recently reopened several markets in California, Florida, Rhode Island, Texas and Wisconsin. They expect to soon open more markets in Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi. For more information about Sport Clips Haircuts as a franchise investment opportunity, visit SportClipsFranchise.com.

WASHINGTON, DC – PRNewswire

The International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Foundation announced today the grand prize winners of its 2018 NextGen in Franchising Global Competition, sponsored by the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation and Subway International, which was held at IFA’s 58th Annual Convention in Phoenix, AZ. The four millennial entrepreneurs — who hailed from the United States and Kenya — were selected from a group of 19 winners of the Global Competition, a worldwide program that engages millennial entrepreneurs seeking to grow their businesses through the franchise business model, and the only business incubator in the world focused on franchising.

Shark Tank star Daymond John led a panel of judges for the final round of the Global Competition on Tuesday, Feb. 13, when each participant pitched their business concept to John and a panel of industry experts, as part of a convention with nearly 4,000 attendees, for the chance to win an investment of $5,000 – $10,000 to help grow their business. In addition to John, judges included Tariq Farid, CFE, founder and CEO of Edible Arrangements, and David Mortensen, CFE, founder and CEO of Anytime Fitness.

“I have spoken with a lot of young entrepreneurs over the years, but I am blown away by the drive and business prowess of this year’s NextGen in Franchising Global Competition winners,” said John, founder and chief executive officer of FUBU, presidential ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship, star of ABC’s Shark Tank and chief executive officer of The Shark Group. “In fact, they remind me of myself in the early days of FUBU, when the only way to get to the next level was to truly hustle. Their commitment to growing their business is exactly what it takes to survive in today’s competitive environment and I applaud them for their accomplishments so far. I’m looking forward to seeing where they go from here.”

This year, Landon and Kat Eckles, founders of Clean Juice Franchising, LLC, took home first place, which included a $10,000 cash prize. Devan Kline, founder and CEO of Burn Boot Camp, and Andrew Cameron, founder of Donutology, each received $5,000. The judges also awarded a $5,000 prize to Stella Sigana, founder of Alternative Waste Technologies, a social enterprise franchise.

“We are so thrilled to have been a part of the NextGen competition this year,” said Kat Eckles. “Meeting other young entrepreneurs, spending time learning from seasoned industry executives, and getting the opportunity to do some intense problem solving were all invaluable experiences that will remain with us long after our weekend at the IFA’s Annual Convention. More importantly, Landon and I were inspired and blown away by the kindness and intentional way in which the NextGen leaders counseled and poured into us finalists. We gained new role models, new friends, new perspectives and feel so beyond grateful for the opportunity. We hope to make NextGen proud and continue to grow Clean Juice to a strong national brand!”

Since the program’s inception in 2015, nearly 2,000 millennial entrepreneurs from more than 75 countries have applied. Many NextGen winners have been featured in top business publications such as The New York Times, Inc., and Fast Company, among others.

“This year was the most competitive yet, with nearly 900 applicants from around the world vying for 20 spots in the NextGen in Franchising Summit — a testament to our 2018 winners’ entrepreneurial spirit, exceptional business acumen, and potential for success,” said David McKinnon, CFE, Foundation vice chair and chairman of the NextGen in Franchising Committee. “We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to host these impressive young entrepreneurs at the IFA’s Annual Convention and further expose them to the immense opportunity franchising provides. We have no doubt that their futures are bright, and look forward to providing them with unwavering support as they continue to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.”

The 2018 NextGen in Franchising Winners competing in the final round were:

Andrew Cameron, founder of Donutology (United States). As a donut lover and savvy entrepreneur, Cameron discovered that purchasing donuts isn’t an interactive experience. He realized the product is often boring and cookie cutter — a one-size-fits-all mentality. The ingredients typically aren’t premium and not yielding a quality product. Like pizza, coffee drinks, and ice cream, Cameron believed that donuts deserved the opportunity to be customized and imagined by the customer. With six previous donut shops under his belt, Cameron founded Donutology in 2016 with the concept of made-to-order mini donuts alongside popular Classic donuts and developed a suite of donut-themed treats to give Donutology a unique twist.
Landon and Kat Eckles, founders of Clean Juice Franchising, LLC (United States). Husband-and-wife team Landon and Kat Eckles recognized the growing trend where people are now investing in their health, often spending more money on food than clothing. The entrepreneurs founded Clean Juice, the only USDA-certified organic juice bar franchise, with the mission of inspiring others to be healthy in body and strong in spirit. Products include acai bowls, juices, juice cleanses, smoothies, oat bowls, custom toast products, and other healthy snacks. Clean Juice now has 27 open locations, with another 75 in development, and an average unit volume of $1 million (per Franchise Disclosure Document, Item 19, 2017). By 2021, Clean Juice Franchising expects to have 500 stores nationwide.
Devan Kline, founder and CEO of Burn Boot Camp (United States). Kline was brought up in a low-income neighborhood of Battle Creek, Michigan. His mother and father were both victims of each other’s domestic violence, which often would trickle down to Kline and his siblings. Throughout his career with the San Francisco Giants and at Central Michigan University, Kline developed this passion for fitness. Since opening the first Burn Boot Camp franchise in 2015, Kline and his wife, Morgan, have grown the brand to over 120 locations, with a projected 169 to open this year and a goal of awarding 1,000 worldwide in the first six years. In 2018, Burn Boot Camp’s revenue is projected to reach $80 million in just its fourth year of franchising.
Stella Sigana, founder of Alternative Waste Technologies (Kenya). Founded in 2015, Alternative Waste Technologies (AWT) is a mission driven social enterprise focused on tackling energy poverty by producing clean fuel for cooking while significantly improving the air quality in homes. Seventy percent of Kenya’s population relies on charcoal as their main source of energy, yet 20,000 people — mostly women and children — die each year because of indoor air pollution. AWT produces fuel briquettes through conversion of organic agricultural and charcoal waste from slum settlements. The briquettes have zero smoke, no odor, and provide an efficient source of fuel. To date, AWT has recycled over 150 tons of waste into fuel briquettes for cooking and empowered 80 out-of-school youth and women entrepreneurs in slum settlements to build businesses by selling briquettes directly to communities.
The additional 2018 NextGen in Franchising Global Competition winners include: Bazil Mwotta Biddemu, AgroDuuka (Uganda); Danny Park, RoboThink, LLC (United States); Dillon Orr, Johnny On The Spot Mobile Wash (United States); Ernie Beltz, Jr., Little Land Play Gym & Pediatric Therapy (United States); Gerardo Escudero Samara, Chillout Lounge (Nicaragua), Edwin Inganji (Kenya), Usalama Tech Group Limited (Kenya); Jeremy Dyer, Total Fitouts (Australia); Jerod Evanich, A Place At Home (United States); Ma Jonalyn Sison, Skinpotions Inc (Philippines); Marko Kasic, FundLife International / Football for Life Academy (Philippines); Matej Varhalik, SpeedFit (Australia); Milan Szabo, Anjuna Ice Pops (Hungary); Robert Bruski, Ctrl V (Canada); and Wyatt and Aiden Booth, Hopscotch (Canada). Aaron Smith, founder and CEO of KX Pilates, also was recognized at the Annual Convention as the Franchise Council of Australia’s 2018 NextGen competition winner.

NextGen winners received a spot at the NextGen in Franchising Summit, a two-day educational and networking program for next generation entrepreneurs at the IFA Annual Convention, an accelerator program with industry leaders and CEOs; an opportunity to participate in the final round of the NextGen in Franchising Global Competition for a chance to win a monetary investment to help grow their businesses; and opportunities to network with leading franchisors, franchisees and suppliers and with other young entrepreneurs. Winners of the NextGen in Franchising Global Competition also had the opportunity to learn within The Shark Group’s entrepreneurial training program called “InnerVation Lab,” which is led by a world-class expert in entrepreneurship.

The NextGen in Franchising program is made possible due to the generosity of its donors and sponsors, which include David McKinnon, the founding sponsor; the Stewart & Jane Bainum Fund; Lawrence “Doc” Cohen, Doc & Associates; Stephen P. Joyce Fund; Choice Hotels Foundation; J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation; Tariq Farid, Edible Arrangements; Charlie Chase, FirstService Brands; Aziz Hashim, NRD Holdings; Joe Bourdow, Valpak; the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation/Subway; Tony Valle, ELM Perform; Dave Mortensen, Anytime Fitness; and Melanie Bergeron, Two Men & A Truck Intl.

For more information about the NextGen in Franchising Global Competition, please contact Ashley Davidson at adavidson@fish-consulting.com or +1 305-298-8022.

DALLAS, TX – PRNewswire

According to U.S. News, about 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by the second week of February. But that’s not the case for Gold’s Gym Franchising LLC, where business is stronger than ever. The world’s most iconic fitness chain will flex its muscle even more in 2018, with plans to expand beyond its 700+ locations in 28 countries around the world.

“The demand for Gold’s Gym is dominating new domestic and international markets and the results speak volumes not only for our franchise owners and master developers but also for our 3 million members living stronger and healthier lives,” said Craig Sherwood, Senior Vice President of Franchise and Licensing for Gold’s Gym.

Capping off a strong year of franchise development in 2017, Gold’s Gym celebrated 49 new gym openings, including the two largest Gold’s Gym locations ever built. Amman, Jordan, and Alexandria, Egypt, each opened new facilities with more than 150,000 square feet. Among other highlights:

• International growth included 15 new gyms in India, seven new gyms in Japan, and rapid expansion in Saudi Arabia where Gold’s Gym will more than double in size to 21 gyms this year.
• Gold’s Gym Egypt celebrated its 20th anniversary.
• A new agreement was awarded for Iraq.

“Our global footprint is in the best shape financially and physically to make 2018 our strongest year to-date,” said Ken Phipps, Director of Global Franchising Development for Gold’s Gym.

Gold’s Gym plans to expand in Europe, China and Qatar as domestic franchise development also targets another 25 gyms in the U.S. across hot markets including Tampa; Orlando; Minneapolis; San Jose, Calif.; Atlanta and the New York metro area.

Meanwhile, consumer demand continues to escalate. According to a recent survey, Americans now spend more on fitness in their lifetime than they do on college tuition. In a search to fit physical and mental well-being into busy lifestyles, men and women invest an average of $155 per month on gym memberships, personal trainers, meal supplements and workout gear.

“Today’s Gold’s Gym prototype addresses all of those wants and needs,” said Phipps. “We are the brand that invented the fitness craze more than 50 years ago, and now we are redefining it with the new Gold’s Gym experience. Our members choose from personal training, group exercise classes, GOLD’S STUDIO®, and our GOLD’S AMP™ app that also puts a digital personal trainer in their pocket. Combine that with the latest cardio equipment, free weights, spin studios and more, and there is something for everyone, whether they like to work out alone or tackle fitness goals with a group.”

Those features have helped Gold’s Gym achieve a 20.73% EBITDA for the domestic investor, attracting a crowd of franchisees seeking a healthy business and healthy profits with a dominant global brand.

“We are living that reality alongside our franchise partners,” Sherwood added. “With more than 145 corporate-owned Gold’s Gym locations, we prove the business every day and support the business model that our franchisees also follow. That builds a level of experience and trust that will continue to move our business forward in a leadership position.”

For more details about the franchise opportunity, visit https://franchising.goldsgym.com/.

SAN JOSE, CA – PRNewswire

Togo’s Great Sandwiches (www.togos.com) the “California Original” known for its big, fresh, and meaty sandwiches, continues to offer exciting menu items with a relentless focus on premium taste and quality.  Now featuring 20% more zesty lemon pepper tuna, Togo’s seasonal favorite is a welcome flavor for spring.  For an even more delicious deal, participating Togo’s locations are offering a regular Lemon Pepper Tuna Sandwich and 20 oz. fountain drink for just $6.50 on Fridays through March 23rd.

Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) will report first quarter fiscal 2018 operating results after market close on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, and the company will host a conference call to review the results on Thursday, February 22, 2018, beginning at 8:30 a.m. PT. The call will be webcast live over the Internet.

To access the live call through the Internet, log onto the Jack in the Box Inc. investors page at http://investors.jackinthebox.com at least 15 minutes prior to the call in order to download and install any necessary audio software. A playback of the call will be available through the conference-call link on the Jack in the Box Inc. investors page beginning at approximately 11:30 a.m. PT on February 22, 2018.

BERWYN, PA – PRNewswire 

Over the past three years, JDog Junk Removal, a national franchise organization dedicated to providing business ownership opportunities to veterans, has awarded more than 400 franchise territories across 36 states and has created over 1,000 veteran job opportunities. To celebrate its momentous growth and to further inspire ongoing success amongst its veteran network, JDog Junk Removal has announced its First Annual Convention, JCON, to be held March 8-10, 2018 in Malvern, PA.

“JCON, JDog Junk Removal’s First Annual Convention, honors the passion and camaraderie of our franchise owners,” said Jerry Flanagan, Founder and CEO of JDog. “Through their commitment, we are empowering veterans and making lasting changes in their lives and in the communities they serve. We plan to celebrate our growth and prepare for how we continue to advance our mission.”

JCON will consist of inspirational veteran keynote speakers, including Justin Constantine, a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Marine Corps and Ralph Galati, a retired Vietnam Air Force Officer and former POW. The Convention will also offer attendees preferred vendor networking opportunities, achievement awards and exciting giveaways provided by sponsors T. P. Trailers & Truck Equipment, FocusFullfillment and Wisdom Insurance.

In 2017, JDog Junk Removal launched in fifteen new cities, including; Annapolis, MD; Augusta, GA; Buffalo, NY; Columbus, GA; Detroit, MI; Gainesville, FL; Houston, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Jacksonville, FL; Little Rock, AK; Portland, OR; San Diego, CA – propelling the total number of active franchises 120. In the coming year, JDog Junk Removal projects to open 75 new franchises, with growth fueled by motivated veteran entrepreneurs set to bring services to new metro areas including, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Seattle, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Denver, San Francisco, as well as cities in North Carolina, South Carolina and Northern California.

ATLANTA, GA – PRNewswire

Aaron’s, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a leading omni channel provider of lease-purchase solutions, today announced that the Company’s Board of Directors has approved a new share repurchase program authorizing management to repurchase up to $500 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock. In light of the new repurchase program, the Company has discontinued its previous share repurchase program.

“In 2017, we generated record sales and earnings and strengthened our balance sheet by reducing our debt $135 million. We also increased our dividend for the 15th consecutive year and repurchased nearly two million shares of stock. The decision to authorize the new repurchase program is part of our capital allocation strategy, which reflects our expectation for strong cash flow generation over the next few years,” said John Robinson, Chief Executive Officer.

Under the Company’s new repurchase program, the Company may repurchase shares from time to time on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Repurchases of shares may be made under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, which would permit repurchases when the Company might otherwise be precluded from doing so under insider trading laws. The extent to which the Company repurchases its shares and the timing of such purchases will depend upon market conditions and other corporate considerations, as determined by the Company’s management. The Company is not obligated to acquire any particular number of shares and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

DENVER, CO – PRNewswire

RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: RMAX), parent company of RE/MAX, one of the world’s leading franchisors of real estate brokerage services, and Motto Mortgage (“Motto”), an innovative mortgage brokerage franchise, today announced that RE/MAX Holdings Co-Founder David Liniger has completed the transition of his CEO responsibilities to Adam Contos, who has been named Chief Executive Officer by the Company’s Board of Directors. The transition of leadership to Contos is the next step in RE/MAX Holdings’ leadership succession plan, which dates back to the appointment of Contos to serve as Co-CEO with Liniger in May 2017.  Liniger will become non-executive Chairman and will continue to serve on the RE/MAX Holdings Board.

“The Board of Directors is pleased that Adam will lead RE/MAX Holdings in its next stage of growth,” said Richard Covey, the Board’s Lead Director. “He is a talented and respected RE/MAX Holdings executive who combines an in-depth knowledge of the industry with an equally strong desire to drive RE/MAX forward and build on its success by leveraging technology and focusing on innovation. Adam has played an integral role in extending and strengthening the RE/MAX brand across a global network of over 115,000 RE/MAX agents as well as the successful launch of Motto Mortgage just 16 months ago. His experience serving in key leadership roles at the Company coupled with his deep knowledge of the real estate business make him a natural choice to lead RE/MAX Holdings into the future. We are also pleased that Dave will continue to work with the Board and the network and continue to provide his insights and experience to them.”

Prior to his role as Co-CEO, Contos, 46, served as Chief Operating Officer of RE/MAX Holdings. He joined the Company in 2004 working with franchisees and agents in the Mountain States Region and was promoted to Region Vice President the following year. Between 2007 and 2013 he served as Region Vice President, first for the California & Hawaii Region and later for the RE/MAX Florida Region.  He was promoted to Vice President, Region Development, in 2013 and then to Senior Vice President, Marketing, in February 2015. During his Marketing tenure, he and the business development team built a robust franchise sales process that fuelled record growth.

“I am honored to lead RE/MAX Holdings at this important time in our history,” said Contos. “Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX and our network has never been stronger.  Motto Mortgage is off to a terrific start and we could not be more optimistic about its future. As we head into this next chapter, I am excited about the prospects for continuing our successful momentum, driven by our outstanding business model, brand strength, competitive advantages and the most dynamic brokers and agents in the industry.”

Liniger said, “Our original business model, which was built to encourage productive agents to come together, motivate each other and work hard, is still going strong after 45 years. We are number one in the world and I’m confident that under Adam’s leadership, RE/MAX Holdings will continue to thrive and reach even greater heights through his unwavering dedication and commitment to this great company, our brands and our networks.”

Renowned Massage Industry Expert Eric Stephenson Will Implement Culture and Education Programs for the Brand Nationwide

Englewood, CO – Elements Massage®, one of the nation’s fastest growing therapeutic massage franchises, is pleased to announce the hiring of Eric Stephenson as the brand’s first-ever “Chief Wellness Officer.” Stephenson brings 20 years of massage industry experience to Elements, where he will work closely with the brand’s 240 plus studios to implement system-wide continuing education and culture programs.

“Elements is the first national massage franchise brand to create the role of Chief Wellness Officer,” said Jeremy Morgan, CEO of Elements Massage. “We created this role to demonstrate our commitment to building an industry-leading culture and creating a world-class experience for all Elements’ studio members and their massage therapists. We’re thrilled that Eric has joined our team.  As a Licensed Massage Therapist, Eric’s industry experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow the Element’s brand.”

Previously, Stephenson was a co-founder of imassage, Inc., a Florida-based education and consulting company dedicated to improving the careers of massage therapists and spa practitioners through customized programs focused on preventing injury and workers’ compensation claims.  In this role, Stephenson counseled some of the biggest names in the industry, including the Wynn/Encore Las Vegas, Kamalaya Thailand, Sandals Resorts and Spas, Grove Park Inn Asheville, Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa and Starwood Hotels & Resorts.  Concurrently, Stephenson also worked closely with Elements Massage to develop “The Elements Way,” a series of experiential standards implemented within studios that resulted in a best-in-class 2017 Net Promoter Score comparable to leading consumer brands like Apple, Amazon and the Ritz-Carlton.

Stephenson will bring his trademark leadership approach to Elements Massage, helping studios create best-in-class culture and guest experiences. “We will continue to strengthen our recognition of being the ‘Employer of Choice’ in the industry by focusing on massage therapists’ health and career longevity, continued education and interpersonal skills. We believe in supporting our franchisees in their efforts to take excellent care of their massage therapists, so, in turn, they will take excellent care of clients,” remarked Stephenson. “This personalized, customized approach to all aspects of massage is what sets Elements apart.”

In addition to Stephenson’s internal responsibilities, he will also serve as a spokesperson for the brand, providing commentary and research surrounding a multitude of topics reinforcing the health and wellness benefits of massage.

“Research shows that massage can be an integral piece of one’s wellness regime- alongside diet and exercise,” said Stephenson. “It is my mission to enlighten and educate others on all of the positive impacts massage can have on daily life.”

Stephenson also serves on the Board of Directors for the International Spa Association (ISPA). He has been instrumental in positioning massage as a viable career path worldwide and in emerging countries such as India, where he was recently a keynote presenter at the “Health Professions of India Conference.”